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3 fatalities

Nighttime Approach Accident: Four-Engine Aircraft Crashes into Sea Near Las Palmas (6601)

Las Palmas-Gando (Gran Canaria), SpainLanding (descent or approach)

On January 22, 1963, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration 6601) operated by Portuguese Air Force - Força Aerea Portuguesa (1952-) was involved in an aviation accident near Las Palmas-Gando (Gran Canaria), Spain during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed into the sea while approaching Las Palmas at night, resting 15 km from the runway. Eleven occupants were rescued, three passengers drowned, and the aircraft sank hours later.

Incident Overview and Location Details During a nighttime approach to Las Palmas, a four-engine aircraft crashed into the sea. The wreckage came to rest approximately 15 kilometers from the runway threshold. The aircraft remained afloat until it was discovered the following morning. Rescue operations successfully evacuated 11 occupants from the floating wreckage. However, three passengers drowned during the incident. Several hours after the crash, the aircraft sank and was subsequently lost. The source does not specify the exact aircraft type, registration, operator, or date of the accident.

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